After a collision where the other driver leaves, your next choices can affect what compensation you can pursue. If you’re able, prioritize these steps:
- Get medical care immediately (even if you feel “okay”). Florida insurers and defense attorneys often scrutinize timing and consistency.
- Request the police report and note the report number.
- Write down details while they’re fresh: direction of travel, vehicle description, approximate speed, street lighting/visibility, and anything distinctive.
- Capture photos and short videos of injuries, vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, traffic conditions, and the surrounding area.
- Identify camera sources quickly in the Fort Lauderdale environment—hotels, parking facilities, nearby businesses, ride-share pickup zones, and traffic cameras at major intersections can have short retention windows.
If you’re contacted by insurance before you’ve organized your documentation, it’s smart to pause and get legal guidance first. A recorded statement or incomplete timeline can create problems later.


